3 Configuring the wireless device to use 40 MHz channels

The maximum data rate can only be achieved with wireless connections according to 802.11n if the wireless device uses channels with a bandwidth of 40 MHz. If the bandwidth is only 20 MHz, then a maximum of 130 Mbit/s can be achieved.

Perform the following step if the computer's wireless network adapter or the wireless device supports wireless channels with bandwidths of 40 MHz:

Note:You can find information on configuring the device in its manual, or consult its manufacturer directly.

Configure the wireless network adapter or the wireless device so that it uses wireless channels with bandwidths of 40 MHz.

Example:You can configure many Intel wireless network adapters for channels with bandwidths of 40 MHz. In order to do so, call up the properties of the wireless network adapter in the Windows Device Manager and select "auto" for "802.11n Channel Width for band 2.4":

4 Installing the latest FRITZ!OS for the FRITZ!Box

5 Installing the latest software for the wireless device

Install the latest driver for your computer's wireless network adapter or the latest operating system (for example Android, iOS) for the wireless device.

Note:You can find information on updating the wireless network adapter or wireless device in its manual, or consult the manufacturer directly.You can find the latest drivers for the FRITZ!WLAN Sticks in our download area.

6 Setting the maximum transmitter power

If the option "Set radio channel settings automatically (recommended)" is enabled:

Proceed with the following section.

If the option "Adjust radio channel settings" is enabled:

Click "Additional settings".

Select "100%" from the drop-down list "Maximum transmitter power".

Click "Apply" to save your settings.

7 Enabling WPA2 encryption

The maximum data rate can only be reached when the wireless connection is encrypted with WPA2 according to 802.11n. If a different encryption method is used, then the maximum data rate is always 54 Mbit/s. Therefore, enable WPA2 encryption and use this encryption method to establish the wireless connection:

Important:To ensure optimal security, the password should be at least 20 characters long and contain capital and lower-case letters (but not letters such as ä, ë, ö, ü, é, í), digits, and other characters.

Click "Apply" to save your settings.

Print out the wireless security settings or make note of them.

Establish the wireless connection using the security settings you made note of.

8 Finding the ideal location for wireless devices

If possible, position the FRITZ!Box in a room that is centrally located.

Do not position the FRITZ!Box directly in the corner of a room.

Position the FRITZ!Box so that it is as unobstructed as possible, i.e. not directly in back of or under an obstacle such as pieces of furniture or a heater.

Position the FRITZ!Box as high in the room as possible, for example on a shelf.

Position the FRITZ!Box so that there are as few obstacles as possible between it and the other wireless devices. In particular, metallic objects or objects containing water (for example a refrigerator, houseplants) significantly reduce the quality of the wireless signal.

Position the FRITZ!Box so that it is away from other transmitters (for example microwaves, baby monitors, wireless speakers, Bluetooth devices).

For testing purposes, position the FRITZ!Box and the wireless device as close as possible.

Note:Once you have ruled out all other sources of error, you can increase the distance between the two devices again.

9 Identifying sources of interference

Turn off all devices that could interfere with the wireless network, one after the other.

Note:All devices that emit radio waves are possible sources of interference. These include other wireless devices, wireless speakers, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors or microwaves, for example.

After you have turned off a device, check whether the wireless connection is still impaired.

Once you have identified a device that causes interference, you can either leave it turned off or try to avoid the interference by setting the channel manually or changing the frequency band.

10 Selecting the best wireless channel

Use the graph "Use of the Wireless LAN Channels" to determine which channel in the lower frequency range is least affected by other wireless networks and sources of interference.

Enable the option "Adjust radio channel settings" in the "Radio Channel Settings" section.

Select the wireless channel that was affected the least from the drop-down list "Radio channel".

Click "Apply" to save your settings.

Check whether the issue with your wireless connection still occurs.

If the issue with the wireless connection still occurs:

Repeat steps 3 - 7 with a wireless channel in the middle and then with one in the higher frequency range. Once you have finished testing, use the wireless channel that was least affected by disturbances.

Important:The diagram of the wireless environment only reflects the current situation! The allocation of the frequency bands can change significantly over the course of the day because many wireless networks are turned on when in use. Therefore, check several times to see which wireless channels are least affected by interference.

11 Establishing a wireless connection to the 5 GHz frequency band

The FRITZ!Box either provides a wireless network in the 2.4 GHz or the 5 GHz frequency band. The 5 GHz frequency band is subject to interference less frequently. Therefore, switch to this frequency band if your wireless devices support the 5 GHz frequency band:

Select the standard "802.11n+a" from the "Wireless standard" drop-down list.

Click "Apply" to save your settings.

Re-establish the wireless connection to the FRITZ!Box.

Now the FRITZ!Box and the wireless device are ideally configured. You will now achieve the greatest possible wireless range as well as the highest throughput between your wireless devices and the FRITZ!Box.

Note:If the previous measures did not succeed in sufficiently increasing the quality of your wireless connection, you can use a FRITZ!WLAN Repeater to extend the range of the wireless network and increase the throughput of your wireless connection.